Suicide prevention needs stronger community support, says Lee Lam Thye
PETALING JAYA: Suicide prevention must begin with individuals and communities being willing to notice, listen and reach out to those who may be struggling, said Befrienders KL patron Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said there is a need to make it easier for people to talk about what they were going through while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
“We need to create an environment in which asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness,” he said in his speech at the Befrienders KL Suicide Prevention Public Forum yesterday.
Lee said stigma could be a significant barrier to help-seeking as individuals who fear being judged, misunderstood or labelled might keep their struggles to themselves and delay getting the help they need.
He urged the public to be people who are safe to talk to by noticing when someone does not seem like themselves, asking how they are doing and genuinely listening to their response.
“We can give someone the time and space to talk without judging them or immediately trying to solve their problems,” he said.
He added that the public could encourage those they are concerned about to seek help and, when possible, assist them in taking the first step.
“We do not have to be experts to do these things. Sometimes, being willing to listen is an important place to start.”
Lee said more than 720,000 people commit suicide globally every year, with suicide also among the leading causes of death among young people.
He emphasised that in Malaysia, 1,114 suicide deaths were recorded in 2024, compared with 1,087 in 2023, based on police figures reported by the Health Ministry.
He also said the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 estimated that about one million Malaysians aged 16 and above were experiencing depression.
“What is particularly worrying is that about half of those experiencing depression reported thoughts of hurting themselves or feeling that they would be better off dead.”
Lee said the figures showed that many people around them could be struggling even when their difficulties were not visible.
He also paid tribute to Befrienders volunteers who provide support around the clock, thanking them for listening with patience, compassion and without judgement.
“You may never know what happens after a call ends. You may never know what difference that conversation made to someone. But you were there.”
He added that Befrienders KL has been there for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives for 56 years, but the organisation could not be everywhere.
“That is why we need more people in our communities who are willing to notice, to listen, to encourage help-seeking and to reach out.
“Suicide prevention does not begin with someone else. It begins with us.”
The forum was held yesterday in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, themed
“Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Promoting Understanding and Reducing Stigma”.
Befrienders KL offers free, confidential 24/7 emotional support across Malaysia for anyone feeling distressed, lonely or suicidal.
To access their services, please contact Befrienders national 24/7 helpline at 03-7627 2929, available daily for free.
